Ichlekli pronounced (Ishlekli) is Turkmen cuisine. this dish is somewhat similar to a shepherds pie but flat like a calzone. It is considered to be the national dish of Turkmenistan.
These flat slices of stuffed dough are delicious and commonly made today in the bustling street markets and homes to carry on the traditional cuisine of Turkmenistan.
The Turkmen people call it Turkmen shepherd's pie, or Turkmen meat pie. Either way they have a lot of pride in Ichlekli which is why it is considered to be the national dish.
It is an ancient dish that used to be made by nomadic Turkmen shepherds that would cook it in the hot sand with embers. It would have been a way for them to get the nutrition they needed to carry out their nomadic lifestyle along the silk road.
I love recipes that speak to heritage and Ichlekli reminds us of Turkmen culture as well as nomadic culture.
Today we will make this traditional dish Ichlekli in the oven. You need to simply put together a few dough ingredients and roll out the soft dough dough in two circles, which will consist of a top and bottom.
Mix together some filling ingredients which is typically made with ground meat, usually lamb, tomato, onion and bell pepper and some seasonings like black pepper or cayenne pepper.
Spread it around the bottom layer of dough you have on a floured surface or parchment paper and top it with the other layer of dough and seal it. You will put a small hole or holes to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Did you know that Turkmenistan is home to several Silk Road Cities that are UNESCO world heritage sites? Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries on earth that has some bizarre rules and laws. If you would like to learn more about this unusual nation, and their nomadic traditions, be sure to check out "Our Journey to Turkmenistan".
If you are looking for more authentic recipes to serve alongside Ichlekli, be sure to check out Gowrulan Badamjanly Salat, a wonderful fried eggplant salad. For dessert try chak chak which is a scrumptious fried honey cake that is popular all over Central Asia.
Ichlekli Recipe The national dish of Turkmenistan
Ingredients
For the Ichlekli filling
- 1 lb lamb minced (beef can also be used or combination of both)
- 1 medium Tomato chopped finely
- 1 medium onion chopped finely
- 1/2 bell pepper red
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 8 Tbsp water
For the Ichlekli dough
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups water +/-
- 3 1/3 cups flour all purpose
Instructions
Prepare the Ichlekli Filling
- Mince the lamb or beef if needed
- In a medium bowl mix all the filling ingredients together. Set aside
Prepare the Ichlekli Dough
- In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together except the water and then add the water a little at a time until a dough comes together. You may need to add more or less water. Knead this dough until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and cover with a towel and let rest for about 5 minutes.
- On a floured surface, take one of the balls of dough and it roll it out into a large circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Putting the Ichlekli together
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge.
- Roll out the remaining ball of dough the to the same size as the bottom and place it over the filling, Seal it by pulling the 1/2 inch edge up over the top and press it together.
- Cut a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape and prick a design with a fork around the top. Brush the top of the pie with water.
- Place on the middle rack of your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top of the Ichlekli becomes light brown.
- Cut into slices and serve hot.
Nutrition
